French Brown Leather Box, 1960s

France, 1960s. Grained brown leather paired with a gilt snaffle bit, echoing the language of saddlery, was elevated by French leather goods of the era into an art of living. This box is an elegant illustration of it, in the style of Herms. The body, in cognac grained leather, is banded by a woven strap striped in green, beige and burgundy, closed with a gilt bit fastening in the manner of equestrian tack. The interior, lined in red leather, bears the gilt stamp “SEITA – Rgie Franaise” the French state tobacco authority, which once offered this kind of refined box as a gift. Good overall condition: the outer leather keeps its grain and colour, the woven strap is intact, the gilt bit retains its shine. At 16.5 cm long by 12.5 cm wide and 3.5 cm high, this box sits on a desk or console, for mail or small objects. A chic object with an equestrian spirit, signed with a very French elegance.